Indicator device for a hanger hook

ABSTRACT

A garment hanger is provided which has a wire hook with an indicator device attached thereto. The indicator device includes a base secured to a portion of the wire hook and a removable indicia header including a connector for connecting the indicia header to the base. The connector is located within, and detachably connected to, a receiving portion of the base.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved garment hanger and an indicator device for use on the hook of a garment hanger.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Clothing hangers used by clothing manufacturers and clothing retailers desirably include means for displaying information relating to some characteristic of the clothing on the hanger. This information is typically size or advertising information but is not restricted thereto. The information is often displayed on an indicator which sits at the base of the hook adjacent to the hanger body.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,024,953 describes a clothes hanger entangling guard that includes a hook engaging portion 32 and an upright portion 34. The upright portion 34 is made of a thin flat material and is provided on either side with a field 36 for receiving identifying indicia, such as, for example, a swatch, colour code or price tag.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,322,902 describes a removable indicator 20 for a garment hanger. The garment hanger has a hook with a specially shaped head portion. The head portion includes an enlarged section. The indicator 20 is retained on the head portion by inter-engagement between beads 23 on the indicator 20 and the underside of the enlarged section. If the enlarged section of the hook is damaged, the indicator 20 cannot be retained on the hook of the hanger.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/170,412 describes various arrangements for securing indicators to a wire hook hanger. The arrangements each include a mounting fixture secured to the hook 12. Extending from the mounting fixture is a web intended to be received within a cavity of an indicator placed thereon. An abutment is located on the web for engaging with the indicator. If the web or abutment were to be damaged, the indicator could not be properly secured to the mounting fixture.

Clothing hangers including indicators are relatively expensive to manufacture when compared to other forms of hangers. Hence, they are often designed to be reused. Consequently, it is necessary to be able to change the indicator to suit the particular clothing item on the hanger. The indicator should thus be relatively easy to remove whilst still ensuring that it is not readily disengageable from the hook in the event of rough handling.

It is recognised that a disadvantage of the design of some prior hangers with removable indicators is that the fixture or web on which the indicator is arranged to be engaged is prone to breakage. Breakage can occur when the hangers are stored inappropriately or when they are used without an indicator engaged on the fixture or web.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved form of indicator device for a hanger that addresses at least some of the aforementioned problems.

The discussion of the background to the invention herein is included to explain the context of the invention. This is not to be taken as an admission that any of the material referred to was well known or part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of this application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a garment hanger said garment hanger having a wire hook with an indicator device attached thereto; said indicator device including a base secured to a portion of the wire hook and a removable indicia header having connecting means connecting said indicia header to said base; wherein said connecting means is located within, and detachably connected to, receiving means in the base.

The receiving means in the base is preferably one or more grooves, or a series of holes or apertures.

The connecting means is preferably one or more tongues, tabs or webs shaped to securely locate within the receiving means in the base.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting means and the receiving means are arranged so that the connecting means can be located within the said receiving means by downward movement along a first line of action and then subsequently moved along a second line of action to an engaged position from which the connecting means is restrained from outward movement along the first line of action.

Preferably, the first line of action and the second line of action are substantially perpendicular to one another.

The base may be moulded to a portion of the hanger hook or otherwise connected thereto.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention where the base is not moulded to the hanger hook, the base may be of two part construction. For example, the base may include a base clip arranged in use to fit about a portion of the hanger hook and an adaptor arranged to be mounted to said base clip. With such an arrangement, the indicia header is arranged in use to be detachably connected to the adaptor.

In such an embodiment, it is preferred that the base clip include first and second opposed side walls which are hingedly connected together or joined by a bottom wall. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the base clip is arranged to fit to a portion of the hanger hook so that force loading due to the weight of an item hanging on the hanger hook is applied to the hinge or the bottom wall of the base clip.

Preferably where a base clip is used, securing means is provided for securing the base clip about the hanger hook so that the base clip is prevented from being inadvertently slipped along or removed from the hanger hook.

In accordance with one preferred form of the invention, the securing means includes one or more lugs insertable through apertures in the side walls of the base clip. The apertures in the side walls of the base clip are located so that when the base clip is in position around the wire hook the lower part of each aperture is adjacent to the upper surface of the wire hook. The lugs and the apertures are configured so that once the lugs are inserted through the apertures a portion of the outside surface of each said lug is in contact with a portion of the wire hook and the lugs will thereby retard movement of the base clip along or about the wire hook of the hanger.

The lugs may be separate components. Alternatively, two or more lugs may been connected to a plate or web. In one example of the invention two lugs are connected by a plate with the lug/plate assembly being insertable into a recess located on a side wall of the base clip.

In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, the securing means includes either at least one male member or at least one female member on an adaptor arranged for locking engagement with respective complementary female or male members on the base clip. Preferably, the adaptor once engaged with the base clip will apply a clamping force onto the sides of the base clip to assist in securing the base clip to the hanger hook. Alternatively, or in addition, the base clip may be secured to the wire hook using an appropriate adhesive. In one embodiment at least two male members are located on the base clip and at least two female members are located on the adaptor. In such an embodiment the male members are preferably located one on each of the opposed side walls of the base clip and are shaped relative to the female members so that when the male and female members are engaged together, the opposed side walls of the base clip are compressed towards one another so to clamp around the hook thereby limiting or substantially preventing movement of the base clip relative to the hanger hook. In an alternative embodiment, the base clip includes two or more external recesses on each of the opposed side walls of the base clip and the adaptor includes complementary male members. In this embodiment the recesses on the base clip are shaped relative to the male members on the adaptor so that when the adaptor is placed on the base clip and the male members are engaged in the respective recesses, the opposed side walls of the base clip are compressed toward one another to create a clamping effect similar to that of the previous embodiment described.

In either of the last two described embodiments, the receiving means for the connecting means of the removable indica header is located on the adaptor. The connection between the indicia header and the adaptor is preferably such as to allow easy removal of the indicia header from the adaptor so that it can be replaced with another indicia header as required by the user.

In any of the aforementioned embodiments of the invention a collar can be secured to the wire hook and the base clip modified to fit around the collar. The collar may be directly moulded onto the wire hook or it may be secured by an appropriate adhesive. This optional collar can assist in inhibiting slippage of the indicator device along the wire hook.

The indicia header preferably includes a main body and connecting means being one or more preferably at least two connecting portions extending downwardly from the main body. The connecting portions are each preferably shaped in cross-section as an inverted “T” and spaced from one another so that they are arranged to engage within respective apertures in the adaptor. The connecting portions and apertures are respectively shaped so that the connecting portions can be inserted in said apertures by downward movement along a first line of action and then moved along a second line of action to an engaged position wherein the connecting portions are restrained from outward movement along the first line of action.

Preferably, the first line of action and the second line of action are substantially perpendicular to one another.

It is envisaged that the base may include a single aperture or slot suitable for receiving multiple connecting portions. In accordance with such an embodiment, the base may be formed to incorporate an elongate aperture or a substantially enclosed track having insertion openings formed therealong—the insertion openings being configured to enable at least a part of each of the connecting portions to be received within the aperture or track.

The main body of the indicia header preferably includes four side walls on which indicia may be printed, moulded or otherwise secured or affixed. The indicia may include, but is not limited to, size information, price information, brand information and manufacturer's information. The indicia may also include a security device.

The base (including where used, the base clip and adaptor) may, if desired, also include indicia.

The base and indicia header are preferably moulded from a plastics material such as PET.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a garment hanger and an indicator device, including in combination:

-   -   (a) a garment hanger having a wire hook;     -   (b) a base secured to a portion of the wire hook; and     -   (c) an indicia header having connecting means for connecting         said indicia header to said base;     -   said connecting means of the indicia header being locatable         within and detachably connectable to receiving means in the         base.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided an indicator device for a hanger hook, said indicator device including:

-   -   (a) a base arranged for connection to a portion of a hanger         hook; and     -   (b) an indicia header having connection means for connecting         said indicia header to said base;     -   said connection means being locatable within and detachably         connectable to receiving means in the base.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an indicator device according to a first embodiment of the invention mounted on the hook of a hanger;

FIG. 2 is an end view of the indicator device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the indicator shown in FIG. 1 with the indicia header disengaged from the base;

FIG. 4 is a first front perspective view of the base clip of the indicator device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a second front perspective view of the base clip view shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is top perspective view of the base clip shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a first perspective view of the adaptor of the indicator device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is top perspective view of the adaptor shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an underside perspective view of the adaptor shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the indicia header of the indicator device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is an underside perspective view of the indicia header shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an indicator device in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an indicator device in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the indicator device shown in FIG. 13 mounted on the hook of a hanger;

FIG. 15 is a side view of an indicator device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention mounted on the hook of a hanger;

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the indicator device shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the indicator device shown in FIG. 15 modified to locate around a collar affixed to the hanger hook;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the base clip of the indicator device shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective side view of the collar affixed to the hanger hook as used in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the base of an indicator device in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 is a cut-away side perspective view of the base shown in FIG. 20 once the lug assembly has been located into the side of the base;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 23 is a cut-away side perspective view of the base shown in FIG. 22 once the lugs have been located into the side of the base;

FIG. 24 is a side perspective view of two separate components suitable for forming a base in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 25 is a side view of one of the components of the base shown in FIG. 24.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates an indicator 10 mounted on the hook 12 of a hanger (not shown). The indicator 10 includes a base 14 and an indicia header 16. The indicia header 16 is connected to the base 14 by connecting means (not visible in FIG. 1).

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the base 14 is a two part construction including a base clip 18 and an adaptor 20. Such a two part construction allows the base 14 to be easily secured to the hook 12 of the hanger. However, the present invention is not limited to an arrangement wherein the base 14 adopts such a two part construction. For example, the base 14 may adopt a unitary construction which is moulded or otherwise attached to the hook 12 during manufacture of the hanger (for example, see FIGS. 13, 20, 22 and 24).

FIG. 3 illustrates the indicator 10 with the indicia header 16 disconnected from the base 14.

FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate the base clip 18 in more detail. The base clip 18 is arranged in use to fit about a curved portion of the hanger hook 12. Alternatively, the base clip 18 may be modified to be secured to some other part of the hook 12 or hanger (not shown).

The base clip 18 includes first and second opposed side walls 22, 24 that are joined by a bottom wall 26 (best seen in FIG. 6). The bottom wall 26 is curved so as to adopt a shape complementary to the curved portion of the hook 12 about which it engages. Hooks of varying dimensions (e.g. hooks from 2.9 to 3.5 mm diameter) are preferably arranged to be received within the base clip 18. In use, the base clip 18 is arranged to fit to the curved portion of the hanger hook 12 so that force loading due to the weight of an item hanging on the hanger is applied to the bottom wall 26 of the base clip 18.

Extending from the upper edge of each of the first and second opposed side walls 22, 24 are three male members or engagement tabs 28. Accordingly, six engagement tabs 28 extend from the base clip 18 for engagement in six complementary shaped female members or apertures 30 in the underside of the adaptor 20. It will of course be appreciated that other numbers of tabs 28 and apertures 30 are envisaged (see for example the embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 15 to 19).

Each tab 28 includes an angled head 28 a (an example of which is specifically identified in FIG. 5) and is resiliently flexible. As the tabs 28 are pushed into their respective apertures 30 (see FIG. 9) they are caused to flex inwardly (i.e. towards the opposite side wall from which they extend). When the angled head 28 a passes through the aperture 30 in the adaptor 20 the tabs 28 attempt to return to their original non-deflected orientation. Consequently, a part of the angled head 28 a is caused to firmly abut against an edge portion of the respective aperture 30 thereby preventing release of the tabs 28 from the aperture 30.

The tabs 28 and apertures 30 are preferably further configured so that when they are engaged together, the opposed side walls 22, 24 of the base clip 18 are compressed slightly towards one another. This causes the base clip 18 to be “clamped” about the hook 12. This helps to properly locate the base 14 (combined base clip 18 and adaptor 20) on the hook 12 and thus prevent relative movement.

FIGS. 7 to 9 illustrate the adaptor 20 in more detail. As clearly depicted in these Figures, the adaptor 20 includes opposed side walls 20 a, 20 b and opposed end walls 20 c, 20 d. The opposed end walls 20 c, 20 d include an elongate lower end 20 e. When the adaptor 20 is secured to the base clip 18, the lower end 20 e of each of the opposed end walls 20 c, 20 d engages in and closes off the opening formed between the opposed side walls 22, 24 of the base clip 18 and the top surface of the hook 12. This is clearly illustrated in FIG. 2.

Located in the upper face of the adaptor 20 is a female member 32. The female member 32 forms part of the receiving means that, in use, connects the base 14 (combined base clip 18 and adaptor 20) to the indicia header 16.

The female member 32 is formed as an elongate opening or track. The opening or track may adopt numerous different forms. As illustrated, the track includes three insertion openings 32 a (this is best seen in FIG. 8). Lands 34 project into the track from the opposed side walls 20 a, 20 b and thereby define, at least in part, the insertion openings 32. The function of the insertion openings 32 a will be explained subsequently.

The indicia header 16 is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The indicia header 16 has four side walls 16 a. The side walls 16 a are shaped so that indicia may be printed or engraved thereon, moulded or otherwise secured or affixed thereto. Two male members 16 b extend downwardly from the underside of the indicia header 16. The male members 16 b are each shaped in cross-section as an inverted “T” and are spaced from one another so that they can be engaged within there own respective insertion opening 32 a formed in the adaptor 20.

In order to attach the indicia header 16 to the adaptor 20, the “T” shaped male members 16 b must be engaged within the female member 32 of the adaptor 20. To achieve this, the male members 16 b are firstly aligned with a respective one of the insertion openings 32 a and are then moved downwardly along a first line of action. The “T” shaped male members 16 b are then moved transversely along a second line of action until they reach an “engaged” position. In this “engaged’ position, the “T” shaped male members 16 b are located behind respective lands 34 formed in the adaptor 20. In the engaged position, the “T” shaped male members 16 b are restrained from outward movement along the first line of action. It will thus be appreciated that the indicia header 16 is connected to the adaptor 20 by a two step action. Step one is to push the “T” shaped male members 16 b into the insertion openings 32 a and step 2 is to move/slide the “T” shaped male members 16 b to the engaged position.

As clearly shown in FIG. 8, the adaptor 20 includes three insertion openings 32 a whilst the indicia header 16 only includes two “T” shaped male members 16 b. The inclusion of three insertion openings 32 a enables the indicia header 16 to be connected to the adaptor 20 by sliding it right to left or left to right depending on which insertion openings 32 a are used. This makes engagement of the indicia header 16 to the adaptor 20 easier.

The base clip 18, indicia header 16 and adaptor 20 are preferably made from a plastics material.

FIG. 12 shows an alternative configuration where base clip 18 includes a series of apertures 40 shaped to receive connecting legs 41 on adapter 20. The indicia header 16 includes two “T” shaped male members 16 b shaped to be located within insertion openings 32 a of adapter 20.

FIG. 13 depicts a further alternative embodiment where the base 14 is moulded onto the hanger hook 12. The base is a unitary member incorporating a channel 50 along its top surface. Indicia header 16 includes a tongue 51 shaped and configured to be detachably connected in channel 50 as can be seen in cross-section in FIG. 14.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate a still further embodiment of the invention. Like components in this embodiment are numbered in FIGS. 15 and 16 in similar fashion to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 11. Importantly, in this embodiment of the invention the base clip 18 instead of incorporating engagement tabs 29 (as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6) incorporate recesses 55. The back wall 56 of each recess 55 incorporates an angled head 56 a. Adaptor 20 incorporates four separate engagement tabs 57. As tabs 57 push in to the respective recesses 55 they are caused to flex outwardly. When the angled heads 57 a pass over the tops of the angled heads 56 a the tabs 57 attempt to return to their original non-deflected orientation. Consequently, a part of the angled head 57 a is caused to firmly abut against an edge portion of the respective recess 55 thereby restraining release of the adaptor 20 from the base clip 18.

Once in place the adaptor and base clip are not readily separated and together form a permanent base into which male members 16 b of the indicia header 16 can be releasably inserted for securing the indicia header to the base.

FIGS. 17 to 19 depict a variation of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. More particularly, a collar 60 is provided which is directly secured to the wire hook 12. The collar 60 can be moulded directly onto hook 12 or may be secured to the hook 12 by a suitable adhesive. Base clip 18 incorporates a cut out or aperture 62 in bottom wall 26 into which the collar 60 is located. Once the base clip 18 is positioned over the wire hook 12 and located in place by adaptor 20 the base is restrained by collar 60 from slipping along the hook 12. Collar 60 located within aperture 62 is illustrated in FIG. 18. It will be noted that the internal walls of the base clip 18 are modified to lock around collar 60 once the base clip is in position around the hook 12.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show another embodiment of the invention. Base 14 has an end wall 62 and an opening at the opposite end 64. Hanger hook 12 is inserted through an opening (not shown) adjacent to the base of end wall 62 and the base is thereafter slipped along the hook into the position as depicted in FIG. 20. There is no adaptor plate as in earlier embodiments, and an indicia header is connectable to the base in the manner as described for previous embodiments of the invention. Side wall 22 includes apertures 66 and 68 and recess 70. Base 14 is secured to the hook 12 using securing means 72. Securing means 72 is an assembly having lugs 74 which are insertable into apertures 66 and 68 respectively. Apertures 66 and 68 are located so that the lower part of each aperture is adjacent to the upper surface of the wire hook 12. Corresponding apertures are located on the other side wall of base 14 for receiving the ends of the lugs 74. FIG. 21 is a cutaway perspective view showing lugs 74 in position. Lug 74 once inserted through apertures 66 and 68 bear against the upper surface of wire hook 12 to inhibit movement of the base 14 along the wire hook 12.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show a further embodiment of the invention in which lugs 74 are separate components. The securing action of lugs 74 once in place is enhanced with ribbing 76 disposed on the top surface of hook 12.

Finally, FIGS. 24 and 25 show a still further embodiment of the invention where base 14 consists of two halves shaped and configured to fit around hook 12. The base is thereafter ultrasonically welded or otherwise connected into position around the wire hook 12. In the example shown in FIG. 24, securing plates 80 are found on opposite ends of the respective base halves so that when the halves are fitted together they lock into place around the wire hook 12. As with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20 to 23, an indicia header (not shown) can be located and connected to the base in the same fashion as in earlier embodiments.

The described embodiments are particularly advantageous because the indicia header 16 is readily engaged and disengaged from the base 14. Accordingly, a user can quickly change the indicia header 16 to provide information about the article of clothing hanging from the hanger.

The described embodiments are further advantageous because they are less prone to damage than prior art arrangements. This is because when the indicia header 16 is removed, there is no upstanding exposed web or tongue. Accordingly, when hangers including such indicator devices are stored, which is typically done in a box or container, the likelihood of damage to the base 14 is reduced. Although the indicia header 16 has exposed male members for connection with the base 14, they are less likely to be damaged during storage. Even if they are damaged, they are considerably less expensive to replace than an entire hanger.

The described embodiments are also relatively cheap and easy to manufacture.

The embodiments have been described by way of example only and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention are envisaged. 

1. A garment hanger having a wire hook with an indicator device attached thereto; said indicator device including a base secured to a portion of the wire hook and a removable indicia header having connecting means connecting said indicia header to said base; wherein said connecting means is located within, and detachably connected to, receiving means in the base.
 2. A garment hanger according to claim 1 wherein the receiving means in the base is one or more grooves or a series of holes or apertures.
 3. A garment hanger according to claim 1 wherein the connecting means on the indicia header is one or more tongues, tabs, or webs.
 4. A garment hanger according to claim 1 wherein said receiving means and said connecting means are arranged so that said connecting means can be inserted in said receiving means by downward movement along a first line of action and then subsequently moved along a second line of action to an engaged position wherein said connecting means is restrained from outward movement along said first line of action.
 5. A garment hanger according to claim 4 wherein said first line of action and said second line of action are substantially perpendicular to one another.
 6. A garment hanger according to claim 1 wherein said base is moulded to a portion of the hanger hook.
 7. A garment hanger according to claim 1 wherein said base is clipped onto a portion of the hanger hook.
 8. A garment hanger according to claim 1 wherein said base includes a base clip arranged in use to fit about a portion of said hanger hook and an adaptor arranged to be mounted to said base clip.
 9. A garment hanger according to claim 8 wherein said base clip includes first and second opposed side walls which are hingedly connected together or joined by a bottom wall.
 10. A garment hanger according to claim 9 wherein said base clip is arranged to fit to said portion of said hanger clip so that force loading due to the weight of an item hanging on said hanger hook is applied to said hinge or said bottom wall of said base clip.
 11. A garment hanger according to claim 1 further including securing means for securing said base about said hanger hook so that said base is prevented from being inadvertently removed from said hanger hook.
 12. A garment hanger according to claim 11 wherein said securing means includes either at least one male member or at least one female member on the adaptor arranged for locking engagement with respective complementary female or male members on a base clip.
 13. A garment hanger according to claim 12 wherein at least two male members are located on said base clip and at least two female members are located on the adaptor, said male members being located one on each of said opposed side walls of said base clip and are arranged so that when said male and female members are engaged together, said opposed side walls of said base clip are compressed towards one another so as to limit or substantially prevent movement of said base clip relative to said hanger hook.
 14. A garment hanger according to claim 1 wherein said connecting means on said indicia header includes at least one connecting portion having an enlarged head for engagement in said receiving means of the base.
 15. A garment hanger according to claim 13 wherein said at least one connecting portion on said indicia header is shaped in cross-section as an inverted “T’.
 16. A garment hanger according to claim 1 wherein said receiving means of the base is formed as an elongate aperture or substantially enclosed track having at least one insertion opening formed therein.
 17. A garment hanger and an indicator device, including in combination: (a) a garment hanger having a wire hook; (b) a base secured to a portion of the wire hook; and (c) an indicia header having connecting means for connecting said indicia header to said base; said connecting means of the indicia header being locatable within and detachably connectable to receiving means in the base.
 18. An indicator device including: (a) a base arranged for connection to a portion of a hanger hook; and (b) an indicia header having connection means for connecting said indicia header to said base; said connection means being locatable within and detachably connectable to receiving means in the base.
 19. An indicator device or a garment hanger including an indicator device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings. 